JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Lincoln University women’s basketball team rounded out their recruiting class adding two more players as announced by head coach Katie Vaughn Monday.
With the two new signees, that brings the Blue Tigers recruiting class to seven, as Jackeya Mitchell and Bria Dillard signed during the early signing period and recently Donisha Bronnon, Vivian Essuon and Marcella Sedoc inked their names to join the program back in May.
Arienne Smith and Daynice Cochran are the final two recruits to sign which will give LU 10 players on the roster for next year counting the three returning players (Cherakie Barrett, Terika Adams and Cara Thomas).
“Coach Nicole Collier and I had a busy recruiting season this year with only three returning players coming back,” Vaughn said. “We are excited about the few high school students we signed and think they will develop into some of the greatest players to come through LU. We also hit the Junior Colleges pretty hard to gain some experience quickly, as all of our players are extremely athletic and we look to utilize that to the best of our ability.”
Smith, a 5-foot-9 forward from Junction City, Kan., transfers in from Coffeyville Community College. She was one of the top scorers on the team last year averaging a shade over eight points per game (8.069), while also adding 3.3 rebounds per contest and a little over half an assist (.621) and steals (.655) per game.
“Arienne brings more athleticism to our team,” Vaughn said. “She can break down the defense and is very creative getting to the basket. I am really excited to work with her and see her continue to develop.”
Cochran, a 5-foot-11 post from Las Vegas, Nev., will come in as a freshman after
graduating from Liberty High.
“Daynice brings some size to our team,” Vaughn said. “She has a nose for the ball and is a terrific rebounder. Both of Daynice’s parents are alumni at LU and she is excited to carry on the family tradition. She has a lot of potential that we are excited to work with.”
With the roster now set, focus can begin on training and preparing for the upcoming move into the MIAA.
“We are really excited about our schedule this year,” Vaughn said. “With us going into the MIAA, we only have four non-conference games to schedule, which we were able to get them all at home. It will be good to start out playing at home while trying to gain some confidence and learn to play together. The MIAA will be very challenging and we are looking forward to competing night after night against some of the best Division II schools in the nation.”
Lincoln will open the 2010-11 season with the LU Home Classic that will take place November 12 and 13 inside Jason Gym.